Design Reuse and Automation : On High Level CAD Modeling for Multidisciplinary Design and Optimization

Abstract: THIS THESIS EXPLORES novel CAD modeling methods for design reuse and tomation realization. It will be demonstrated that by applying the described methods, CAD models can be utilized as framework integrators in order to generate geometric input for various engineering analysis tools. Multidisciplinary design can as a result be facilitated in early design due to decreased manual model re-definitions. Furthermore, due to the complex dependency between analysis tools, certain product characteristics can only be evaluated by applying a holistic design approach. Therefore, by applying multidisciplinary design, the level of knowledge about the product will increase.To simulate and evaluate the properties and behavior of an engineering product during design, the geometry has to be constantly re-estimated. CAD tools can be employed to produce the requested geometry. However simplifications introduced in the geometry, due to incomplete and imprecise knowledge available in early design, result in inaccurate geometries. Thus re-modeling has to occur in a frequent rate in order to achieve sufficiently accurate models. Hence CAD tool are traditionally applied in later stages of design when the geometry of the product is more or less defined and CAD is applied to generate drafting and technical drawings for manufacturing purposesIt is therefore proposed that geometries for repetitive components are stored in so called high level templates and instantiated in the CAD model parametrically. Upon instantiation, each instance can be modified parametrically. Given the fact that the instantiation process is automated, the deletion and replacement procedures are also automatic, enabling easier model modifications in the design process.To estimate the gained advantage when applying the proposed methods, holistic design frameworks are implemented. The frameworks consist of a combination of various engineering tools which are integrated through a user interface. Given that an information flow between the design tools is implemented, many aspects of design is computed and optimized concurrently. Consequently in order to draw general conclusion concerning geometric modeling, two different design applications with dissimilar requirements are studied in this work, namely aircraft and industrial robots.